The aminoglycoside model is not hard-coded into the program. The parameters are found in the drug model database and are fully user-editable. You can tailor each drug model to fit your patient population, or you can create your own models. See the Edit drug models section of the help file for further information.

The Bayesian method uses population-derived pharmacokinetic parameters (ie., Vd and kel) as a starting point and then adjusts those parameters based on the serum level results taking into consideration the variability of the population-derived parameters and the variability of the drug assay procedure. To achieve that end, the least squares method based on the Bayesian algorithm estimates the parameters kel & Vd which minimize the following function:

2. Calculate ideal dosing interval (tau)

Same as the Sawchuk and Zaske method

3. Calculate ideal maintenance dose (IMD)

Same as the Sawchuk and Zaske method

4. User selects practical dosage and interval

5. Calculate expected peak & trough levels

Same as the Sawchuk and Zaske method

Extended interval method

Initial dose

1. Calculate dosing weight (DW)

Same as Sawchuk and Zaske's method

2. Calculate maintenance dose (MD)

MD = DW x QDdose

where QDdose is the daily dose in mg/kg:

• Amikacin, kanamycin = 15 mg/kg

• Gentamicin, Tobramycin, Netilmicin = 5 mg/kg

3. Determine interval

Interval is based on creatinine clearance

CrCl

Interval

Over 60

24 hours

40 - 59

36 hours

30 - 39

48 hours

Less than 30

Use traditional methods

Extended interval method

Adjust maintenance dose

1. Determine interval

Obtain a mid-interval drug level 6 to 16 hours after the initial dose, then evaluate the interval based on the dosage adjustment nomogram.

If the 6 to 16 hour level is undetectable and the infection is not responding, consider changing to a traditional dosing method.

The three interval break points on the graphs are decay curves, produced by using a population average volume of distribution of 0.25 L/kg and an elimination rate calculated from creatinine clearances of 25, 40, and 60 ml/min for 48, 36, and 24 hour intervals respectively. The authors of the Hartford nomogram then flattened these decay curves to simplify the nomogram. The Hartford nomogram is utilized by Kinetics if your model EI dose is 7mg/kg.

It is important to note that the Hartford ODA nomogram is only valid for a 7mg/kg dose. An interval adjustment nomogram for the less aggressive dose of 5mg/kg/day was developed by a consensus panel. For 15mg/kg doses of amikacin multiply the drug-level scale by a factor of three. The consensus nomogram is utilized by Kinetics if your model EI dose is 5mg/kg.

This same consensus panel argues that the 48 hour interval should be abandoned, that patients with a CrCl < 40ml/min should be dosed by traditional pharmacokinetic methods..

Furthermore, some have questioned the validity of all ODA nomograms because they are based on one-compartment parameters derived from studies of traditional dosing methods. Some pk studies have shown that the pharmacokinetics of aminoglycosides at high doses differ significantly from those at traditional doses. Therefore, it is argued that nomograms based on an assumption of similar kinetics are invalid.